Donovan Ezeiruaku NFL Draft 2025 Scouting Report for Dallas Cowboys Edge

The Dallas Cowboys selected Boston College EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku with the No. 44 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Donovan Ezeiruaku was one of the best pass-rushers in the country this year with 16.5 sacks and several multi-sack performances during the regular season. He was also productive in 2022 (8.5 sacks) but had a down year as a junior, getting to the quarterback just twice.

Ezeiruaku wins by setting up his pass-rush moves, stemming inside or outside and using a euro-step to cover ground laterally and get to the other side. His primary moves are cross-chop and dip-rip and his bend borders the elite category to win around the edge. Also, he has a couple of good counters with an inside arm-over/swim move and ghost rush.

Donovan Ezeiruaku Highlights

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The biggest issues with the Boston College product as a rusher are he lacks burst off the line to win with speed, his quickness is more average than good for someone of his size, and he's undersized and doesn't have the strength to turn speed to power.

The lack of size and strength will also impact Ezeiruaku as a run defender at the next level. He's physical and can hold his own against tight ends, but NFL offensive tackles can push him around and prevent him from setting the edge.

Because of that, he'll be more of a third-down rusher at first and needs to spend more time in the weight room before becoming a complete defender.

MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS

HEIGHT: 6'2"

WEIGHT: 248

HAND: 9¼”

ARM: 34"

WINGSPAN: 83¾”

3-CONE: 6.94

SHUTTLE: 4.19

VERTICAL: 35.5"

BROAD: 9'11"

POSITIVES

— Great production as a pass-rusher.

— Sets up his pass rush moves well by stemming inside and using a euro-step to win outside or vice versa.

— Has several moves he can win with: cross-chop, dip-rip, arm-over, and ghost rush.

— Very good bend at the top of the rush to corner, it looks easy and natural for him.

— Physical at the point of attack and takes on blocks with his hands to be an effective run defender against tight ends.

NEGATIVES

— Undersized and lacks the strength to hold up against offensive linemen as a run defender in the NFL.

— Has a habit of working around blocks or leaving his gap early against the run.

— Lack of size and strength also shows up when trying to turn speed to power as a pass-rusher.

— Not very explosive off the line to win with speed around the edge.

NOTES

— 3-star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports

— No major injuries

— 2024: ACC Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-ACC

— 2022: Second-Team All-ACC

GRADE: 7.4 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter — 3rd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 64

POSITION RANK: EDGE10

PRO COMPARISON: Nick Herbig

Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder